Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Polukoff. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Stephanie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I am not sure you ‘overcome’ imposter syndrome. I think it is what makes you do the hard things in life. I often think of the sentiment “if your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough”. When Bridge21 started we did not have a blueprint of how to support adults with intellectual-developmental disabilities in supportive housing. We are designing a model that we believe works in Park City and can be replicable in other communities around the country. In our case, I did the research, made some good & ‘better’ decisions, kept pushing forward and relied heavily on people who knew parts of what I needed then I put the parts together to complete our vision. I guess, the essential quality I have learned is to not be afraid to try scary things.

THANK YOU!

First Things First… Thank You from the bottom of my heart to my ‘crew’: my day-one people, the behind-the-scenes heroes, the last-minute phone
answerers, the “we’ve got this” cheerleaders—you know who you are. You are my rocks. I couldn’t do this without your love, laughter, and relentless support. My undying love and respect to you all.

SAVE THE DATE:
Bridge21’s First Annual Fundraiser – You’re Invited!

Get ready for a night where every lyric tells a story and every melody builds a bridge. We’re throwing a celebration like no other—an unforgettable evening of music, meaning, and magic.

Join us on October 25 as three top Nashville songwriters take you behind the scenes of a hit song’s journey—from a spark of inspiration to a stage shared with stars. Think of it as a front-row seat to the soul of country music, all while supporting a cause that changes lives.

This isn’t just a concert—it’s a party with purpose. Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and come ready for a foot-stompin’, heartstring-tuggin’, good time—all to benefit Bridge21’s mission of creating inclusive homes and vibrant lives for people with disabilities.

Circle the date. Join the movement. Let the music move you.

Bridge21 opens the doors to our first neuroinclusive home

After months of dreaming, planning, building (and occasionally scrambling), I’m overjoyed to share that on May 1, 2025, we officially opened the doors to our first Bridge21 neuroinclusive home—welcoming four incredible residents into a space designed with dignity, safety, and independence in mind.

THANK YOU!

First Things First… Thank You from the bottom of my heart to my ‘crew’: my day-one people, the behind-the-scenes heroes, the last-minute phone
answerers, the “we’ve got this” cheerleaders—you know who you are. You are my rocks. I couldn’t do this without your love, laughter, and relentless support. My undying love and respect to you all.

HOUSE UPDATE

We are finalizing resident selection in our first house. Construction is soon to be complete.

We are excited to announce **drum roll please**

Bridge21’s first house will be a gal house!!!

Join us on April 22nd for an OPEN HOUSE from 12-5pm.

Exploring the concept: Dignity of Risk

Meredith, our B21 program coordinator, was researching the concept of “Dignity of Risk” this week. She described it perfectly, saying, “Folks can only rise to the challenge if a challenge is put in front of them in the first place!” Her words have been resonating with me ever since.

Opening Doors to Neuroinclusive Housing with Stephanie, Bridge21’s Executive Director.

When I think of “opening doors” as an Occupational Therapist, I think of the many small but essential movements involved: shoulder flexion with elbow extension, wrist and finger flexion to grasp and rotate the knob, and the strength and proprioception required to pull. Only then can we step forward, one foot in front of the other, to move through the door.

There are many steps to opening a door, and Bridge21 has likewise taken countless steps to arrive at this point—ready to “open the door” to our first neuroinclusive home in Park City.

This moment will be one of the proudest of my career.